Revitalizing a Historic Market District into a Vibrant Urban Neighborhood
Union Market District in Washington, DC has undergone one of the city’s most significant urban transformations. For more than a decade, Bohler DC has partnered with EDENS and other development teams to reimagine a former warehouse area as a vibrant neighborhood anchored by housing, retail, restaurants, and community‑focused public spaces.
Throughout this evolution, Bohler DC has delivered site civil engineering and permitting services that strengthened the district’s identity and supported long‑term infrastructure, regulatory, and placemaking goals.
Guided by the developer’s vision for a walkable, historic, and entrepreneur‑driven neighborhood, Bohler DC helped bring that vision to life through coordinated infrastructure planning, adaptive reuse, thoughtful streetscape design, and navigation of complex zoning and PUD approvals.
Understanding the District’s Needs
Bohler DC played a central role in guiding a coordinated, districtwide infrastructure strategy for Union Market, helping unify multiple developers and phased projects under a consistent vision. As reinvestment began, the area faced significant challenges: outdated and undersized underground utilities, historic preservation requirements along the central market spine, and redevelopment occurring over many years on varying timelines. Rather than treating improvements as isolated upgrades, Bohler DC helped align stakeholders around a thoughtful, long-term approach — maintaining continuity, preserving historic character, and supporting the neighborhood’s successful transformation.
Delivering a Modern Infrastructure Framework
To support the District’s growth, Bohler DC partnered with DC Water to evaluate the capacity and condition of Union Market’s water and sewer systems. The resulting analysis established a coordinated roadmap for modernizing critical infrastructure and preparing the neighborhood for higher-density mixed-use development.
When EDENS and JBG secured public funding to complete large-scale utility reconstruction, Bohler DC helped advance those improvements forward. Construction is now underway and scheduled for completion in Fall 2026. This foundational work ensures that the district’s rapid expansion is supported by a resilient, future ready system.
Reimagining Historic Structures
Preserving the character of the original market area was central to EDEN’s redevelopment vision. Bohler DC supported EDENS in converting aging warehouse buildings into active retail storefronts, restaurants, maker spaces, and office environments, including the developer’s own headquarters. Through this adaptive reuse approach, the district maintained its historic fabric while integrating modern infrastructure and enhanced site functionality.
Creating New Streets and Public Realm Connections
As new multifamily developments — such as Gables Union Market and The MO at 440 Penn NE — came online, Bohler DC helped shape not only the Union Market Streetscape Guidelines, but also the broader public realm framework that would knit the growing district together. Through the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process, entirely new public and private streets were introduced to break up superblocks, improve circulation, and create a more walkable urban grid. Bohler DC supported the planning, design, and coordination of these new rights-of-way, ensuring they aligned with long-term infrastructure goals and the character of the historic market core.
The resulting streetscape standards established consistent sidewalk widths, pedestrian crossings, street trees, lighting, and outdoor activation zones across both existing and newly created streets. Wider sidewalks, safer crossings, and thoughtfully programmed open spaces created a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. Together, these public realm improvements strengthened neighborhood connectivity, enhanced walkability, and laid the foundation for the vibrant retail and dining scene that defines the district today.
Providing Consistency Through Long-Term Collaboration
With multiple developers and architects working on dozens of projects across Union Market, Bohler DC acted as the consistent, trusted consultant, ensuring alignment throughout the district’s transformation. By coordinating zoning and PUD approvals, aligning infrastructure phasing, and maintaining a comprehensive view of each project, Bohler helped keep the neighborhood’s growth cohesive. This continuous involvement allowed individual developments to move forward on their own timelines while contributing to a unified, coordinated vision for the district as a whole.
A Thriving Urban Destination
Today, Union Market has grown into a vibrant urban district home to thousands of residents, award-winning food and retail concepts, and a flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its mix of historic character, modern density, and community-oriented public spaces has made it one of Washington, DC’s most successful examples of long-term urban revitalization.
Looking Ahead
With major infrastructure improvements nearing completion and several parcels still primed for future development, the Union Market District continues to evolve. Bohler DC’s deep familiarity with the neighborhood positions the firm to support its next phase, helping ensure the district remains a connected, welcoming, and resilient place for years to come.
